The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C., a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

"Boasting panoramic city views in the heart of Dupont, the Ven at Embassy Row hotel invites guests to splash around from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A fresh lineup of cocktails, spritzes, and slushy margaritas for summer join mini fish tacos, truffle fries, lobster rolls, and more. A heated pool offers food and drink service, and its Tag Rooftop Bar swings open at 4 p.m. Accessible to hotel guests or day pass holders (starting at $60) with cabanas starting at $250." - Tierney Plumb

"Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a splashy Sunday soiree (May 26) at Tag Rooftop Bar from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lounge poolside and sip on a cocktail while grooving to beats by top DJs in D.C. A new floral garden set up for the season, dubbed Delola Lounge, is the spot to order a bottle of spritz. Tickets are $25 and go up closer to the event." - Vinciane Ngomsi

"This boutique hotel is fresh off a revamp that sets it apart as one of the best small hotels in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. While the exterior lacks the charm of some of the district’s more historic options, the interior is warm and friendly, with greys, yellows, and blues taking center stage. The best-kept secret here: the seasonal ninth-floor rooftop pool, ringed by a grill, bar, and daybeds. Let's not forget the 24-hour Chef's Pantry, plus an “adult playground” where you can play a round (or three) of foosball once you've sampled the local nightlife, or stretch your stuff at a complimentary yoga session on the rooftop (available during the warmer months.)" - Adele Chapin, Laura Ratliff

"What should we know before we go?This boutique hotel is fresh off a revamp that sets it apart as one of the best small hotels in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. While the exterior lacks the charm of some of the district’s more historic options, the interior is warm and friendly, with grays, yellows, and blues taking center stage. The open check-in counter is adjacent to a large working area where you’ll spot everyone from businessmen to young families. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.Deluxe Rooms are spacious and decorated in shades of blue with gray accents. Rooms have basic amenities, including a small coffee maker, iron, and safe. Bathrooms are on the smaller side, with shallow tubs and cramped vanities. If you can, consider staying in one of the one-bedroom suites, tastefully tricked out in mustard-yellow wingback chairs, navy accent walls, and ample elbow room, and featuring sweeping city views. Anything stand out about other services and features?The best-kept secret here: the seasonal ninth-floor rooftop pool, ringed by a grill, bar and daybeds. Let's not forget the 24-hour Chef's Pantry, plus an "adult playground" where you can play a round (or three) of foosball once you've sampled the local nightlife, or stretch your stuff at a complimentary yoga session on the rooftop (available during the warmer months.) Bottom line: Why should we choose Embassy Row?Because you want to get a stay in here before everyone else catches on." - Laura Ratliff

"The white-bricked Embassy Row Hotel has been catering to visiting dignitaries and diplomats since 1970, and a massive renovation in 2015 brought refreshed retro rooms, a rooftop pool, and a new lobby-level restaurant and coffee shop. Cheerful rooms are done up in deep blue and bright yellow and in-room massages and spa treatments can be arranged. Dogs are welcomed with no fee and optional curated treats from BarkBox. Station Kitchen & Cocktails (named for the nearby Dupont Circle streetcar station, now a subterranean art space) aims to be an all-day hangout spot, from morning coffee by Swing’s Coffee Roasters—a D.C. fixture for a century—to evening bottled cocktails and burgers. In summer, there’s no hotter spot in Dupont Circle than the rooftop pool and lounge with panoramic city views and an innovative aqua-cycling fitness class that puts a new spin on spinning. The hotel is rooted in the community, regularly supporting local charities and arranging behind-the-scenes tours of the consulate neighbors."